Mechanical Engineers touch almost every aspect of technology.  They create machines, products and technological systems that benefit society.  Mechanical engineers work in industry, business, government and universities.  Some work for large companies, others are part of small firms, or even work for themselves.

The mechanical engineering field is so diverse that each mechanical engineer does things somewhat differently from his or her colleagues.  Still, most mechanical engineers focus on one of three broad areas of technology:

ENERGY. Mechanical engineers are concerned about the mechanics of energy - how it is generated, stored and moved.  Many mechanical engineers are employed in industries that produce and deliver electrical power, natural gas and oil.  Mechanical engineers are also developing solar energy, wind energy and geothermal systems to supplement and eventually replace conventional fuels.  They are also concerned with energy use, including developing more fuel-efficient cars, motors and appliances.  Other mechanical engineers focus on the effects of heat energy on systems and machines.

MANUFACTURING. Mechanical engineers develop the machines that process materials into products.  In business these engineers are concerned with designing and building machines and systems of machines that improve operating efficiency.  Automation, air pollution control, materials handling and plant engineering are all areas of interest for mechanical engineers in manufacturing.

DESIGN MECHANICS. Mechanical engineers are concerned with designing devices used by consumers and industry.  Household appliances, automobiles, computer hardware, plant equipment, spacecraft, airplanes - anything that uses mechanical motion - are all designed by mechanical engineers, and often in cooperation with other types of engineers and other specialists.  One area of increasing attention by mechanical engineers who specialize in design mechanics is medical bio-technology.  In this field, mechanical engineers are the "motion specialists" on design teams that include doctors and biologists.  The design, fabrication and installation of artificial body parts - particularly artificial limbs - demand the knowledge of how things move, how they can be designed to withstand stress, and what materials will provide adequate strength and still be compatible with the human body.